NORTHFIELD, Minn. (1/5/02) -- The Augsburg College White Team crowned three champions and finished in second place Saturday at the North Country Open wrestling tournament, held at St. Olaf College.

The Auggies finished in second place with 111.5 points, behind champion University of Mary's (N.D.) 120.0 points.

Mark Matzek (Fr., Ellsworth, Wis.) won the individual championship at 141 points, while Jeremy Johnson (So., Faribault, Minn.) did so at 174 pounds and Mike Cuperus (Jr., Worthington, Minn.) won at 184. Mike Verdeja (So., Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley HS) finished second at 149.

North Country Open team results: 1. Mary (N.D.) 120; 2. Augsburg White 111.5; 3. Wartburg (Iowa) 107.5; 4. Upper Iowa 99.5; 5. Wis.-Eau Claire 60.5; 6. Itasca CC (Minn.) 48.0; 7. St. John's 45.0; 8. Luther (Iowa) 42.0; 9. Wis.-River Falls 24.5; 10. Dickinson State (N.D.) 20; 11. Carleton 154.; 12. Rochester CC (Minn.) 12; 13. Minnesota State-Mankato 7.5; 14. St. Olaf 6.0; 15. Dakota County Tech (Minn.) 0.

Augsburg placewinners:
Champions -- Mark Matzek, 141; Jeremy Johnson, 174; Mike Cuperus, 184.
Second place -- Mike Verdeja, 149.
Third place -- John Peterson 141.
Fifth place -- Matt Jones, 133; Joe Cullen, HWT.
Sixth place -- Andrew Fraley, 174; Clint Hodgdon, 184.